Dodgers Add Catching Cover as Will Smith Recovers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have adjusted their catching depth while Will Smith continues to deal with lingering injury concerns. According to Dodgers Nation, the club promoted 26-year-old Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. from Triple-A as Smith remains short of a full baseball workload.
The roster move reflects a practical problem for Los Angeles: Smith is one of the club’s most important everyday players behind the plate, and even a short absence at catcher can affect game planning, pitching rhythm, and late-game substitutions. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Smith is still experiencing soreness, which has slowed his progress back to more intense activity.
Why the Roster Move Matters
Alfonzo’s call-up gives the Dodgers an additional catching option while the team manages Smith’s recovery. For a club built around postseason expectations, the priority is not only filling a lineup spot, but avoiding a rushed return that could turn a short-term issue into a longer absence.
The update also shows how quickly injury management can reshape a baseball roster. A catcher has to handle defensive workload, pitcher communication, blocking, throwing, and offensive responsibilities, so the Dodgers need enough depth to protect both Smith and the pitching staff.
What Comes Next
The key question is whether Smith’s soreness eases enough for him to resume full baseball activities. Until then, Los Angeles is likely to rely on a more flexible catching setup and monitor his workload carefully.
For the Dodgers, the safest path is patience: keep Smith progressing medically, give Alfonzo a chance to cover innings, and avoid forcing a return before the catcher is ready for the physical demands of the position.